Freedom of speech

Free speech helps students develop new ideas. It also drives innovation. But promoting this freedom while protecting staff and student safety can be challenging. We offer universities guidance on how to make space for different views while tackling harassment and discrimination.

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26 January 2023 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

26 January 2023 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – Statutory Tort

This briefing presents Universities UK’s concerns around the statutory tort provision of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, ahead of its remaining parliamentary stages. It also outlines assurances we are seeking to the guidance that is being produced by the Office for Students (OfS), in relation to the Bill.
7 December 2022 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

7 December 2022 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – Lords Report Stage

This parliamentary briefing provides a short summary of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, as well as those areas where we feel further clarification and assurances are required at the Bill's Lords Report Stage.
7 December 2022 Explainer

7 December 2022 Explainer

What’s really happening with free speech at universities?

We've tackled some of the myths about free speech and academic freedom at UK universities.
31 October 2022 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

31 October 2022 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – Lords Committee Stage

This parliamentary briefing provides a short summary of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, as well as those areas where we feel further clarification and assurances are required.
31 October 2022 News

31 October 2022 News

Higher education sector statement on promoting academic freedom and free speech

This statement, co-signed by organisations across the sector, reaffirms our commitment to upholding and promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom.
23 June 2022 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

23 June 2022 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – Lords Second Reading

This parliamentary briefing provides a short summary of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, as well as those areas where we feel further clarification and assurances are required.
10 June 2022 Publications

10 June 2022 Publications

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – third reading

This parliamentary briefing provides a short summary of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, as well as those areas where we feel further clarification and assurances are required.
19 October 2021 News

19 October 2021 News

A statement from our Board: free speech and academic freedom

At the start of the academic year 2021–22, the Universities UK Board has reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to free speech and academic freedom.
6 July 2021 Freedom of Speech

6 July 2021 Freedom of Speech

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – second reading

A parliamentary briefing on the Freedom of Speech Bill's second reading.
16 February 2021 Media releases

16 February 2021 Media releases

Universities committed to promoting and protecting free speech

Freedom of speech is critical to the success of this country's higher education system.